Dead Center

By: David Rosenfelt

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 7 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

If there aren't any real-life lawyers as entertaining, as witty, and as willing to tilt at windmills as Andy Carpenter, Edgar-finalist Rosenfelt's engaging series hero, then there should be.

Carpenter, the Paterson, N.J., lawyer whose wealth allows him to work as seldom as he chooses, is recovering from the loss of the love of his life, Laurie Collins, who has moved home to Findlay, Wis., to become the acting chief of police. When Laurie calls Andy for help after arresting 21-year-old Jeremy Davidson for murders that she thinks he didn't commit, Andy can't resist heading off to Findlay with his faithful dog, Tara.

There's damning evidence against Jeremy, accused of killing two young women, one of whom he was romantically involved with. Andy is forced to pry into the closed society of Center City, home of the victims and a peculiar religious sect called the Centurions.

Dead Center is our Editors' Pick for Mysteries and Thrillers. Find out what else made Audible's Best of 2006 list.

©2006 David Rosenfelt (P)2006 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Audie Award Finalist, Mystery, 2007

"Written with flair and humor, this is perfect light reading." (Publishers Weekly)
"Those who like the added complexity of character-driven mysteries will find much to enjoy in this award-winning series." (Booklist)
"Grover Gardner's narrative style is clear but low-key, a style that fits Andy Carpenter, Rosenfelt's series hero....His reading perfectly evokes the suspense and drama of a criminal investigation." (AudioFile)

I'm loving this series

If you could sum up Dead Center in three words, what would they be?

funny, intriging and even suspenseful

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Not on the edge but close enough

What does Grover Gardner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Grover has a way of giving each character their own personality.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

If you're looking for a funny murder mystery series, this is it. I haven't gotten to a bad book yet.

Intriguing, easy read

Good story, easy to follow and never sure until the end who the bad guy is.

Andy Carpenter is great to hang out with

I love Andy Carpenter and his dog and listening to one of these stories is kind of like hanging out with them. The humour is great and even though I didn't particularly enjoy this story it really didn't matter to me that much as I just enjoy these books.

Gone but not forgotten!

Where does Dead Center rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

A better question would be, "where does the series lead among the audiobooks" -- this was not one of my favorites of Mr. Rosenfelt's but it was still enjoyable. Laurie and Andy are reunited when Laurie requests help on a case after she returned to her home town of Findlay, Wisconsin to live.

What did you like best about this story?

That Laurie and Andy were reunited. They are made for each other; no one else could put up with him and he needs someone to take care of him, which she does well. Plus all the returning characters, Sam, Vince, Willie, Sondra, with a dog or two thrown in. And a good sense of humor and an excellent narrator!

What about Grover Gardner’s performance did you like?

What's not to like?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My only fear is that someone will someday replace him which is not acceptable.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not a moment but just the way the story was written, my questions were answered, the ending wasn't obvious . . . the usual!

Any additional comments?

Keep 'em coming!

Funny funny funny

This was the first time I read this author's books. It won't be the last. Loved the dog and the humor.

I really enjoy this series!

I like the characters, I LOVE the narration, and there's a dog. It makes me happy. :)

TOOO close to home - funny to some but scary to me

The Posse Compotators (sp?) is BIG in WI. You can become a minister for them by looking at ads in the back of most popular magazines.

Many yrs. ago, I worked in WI and had to testify against one of them. The guy lost his case and came after the DA and myself with a gun. That was the days before metal detectors. The switchboard operator alerted us and the sheriff. They are scary and this book reminds me of those times.

There are some funny lines and I enjoyed the book BUT it reminded me of some VERY scary times!!!!

What a Lawyer - Dead Center and Play Dead

Andy Carpenter is quite a lawyer. He has a humorous personality and is an all around good guy. When he takes on a client, Andy Carpenter will get the accused out of jail and back to living again when he knows that his client is telling him the truth.

I totally enjoy listening to the Andy Carpenter series. I think I've gotten more laughs in his stories than in any of the other books that I've ever read. His books are a great listen because they are enjoyable and fun. The narrator, Grover Gardner, does a wonderful job. The voice I hear belongs to Andy. The mysteries are interesting and show how a good lawyer tries to find the truth. He has the same character's in each book and the reader gets to know all of them. I would highly recommend reading the series. If you want to relax and laugh, be sure to listen to these books, you won't be disappointed.

Very good book

I loved this book! Being from Wisconsin myself it was funny to hear all the Wisconsin stereotypes. Overall a great plot, great performance and as I say after every David Rosenfelt novel, one of the best books I’ve ever read!

Dead Center - A Fun, Easy Listen

Where does Dead Center rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book was fun to listen to. It didn't demand any energy but was able to keep my interest. Listened to it while I worked out and drove in my car. It was easy to follow.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dead Center?

One of the most memorable moments was almost at the end, when they figured out who the killer was. That was a bit of a surprise.

What does Grover Gardner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It was really entertaining. I loved his sense of humor and his descriptions of the people around him. He made me smile and I could easily picture all the people in the book. That is a really good thing.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Not sure of that one. Sorry

Any additional comments?

This was a fun, funny at times, entertaining listen. Glad I did listen to it!!